Babcock achieves world’s first order for CO2 cargo handling system

Babcock has achieved a significant milestone with an order to deliver the cutting-edge Babcock ecoCO2 system to two 22,000-m³ liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers for the account of a shipowner in South Korea.

The ecoCO2 system represents a remarkable cargo handling and reliquefaction solution.

This announcement comes on the heels of Babcock’s recent approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register for its ecoCO2 system during the Gastech 2023 event in Singapore.

The ecoCO2 system is designed to facilitate the efficient transport of refrigerated liquid CO2, playing a vital role in the complete carbon capture, utilisation and storage value chain.

Leveraging comprehensive data on various operating parameters such as shipping profiles, loading and discharge terminal parameters, cargo composition and cargo volumes, ecoCO2 is said to ensure optimal performance and operational efficacy.

Scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026, the two state-of-the-art 22,000-m³ LCO2 carriers represent a significant stride towards global decarbonisation.

These vessels, the largest ordered to date, herald a crucial departure in the shipping industry where the transport of large volumes of CO2 is poised to witness exponential growth in the forthcoming years.

Babcock LGE business managing director Neale Campbell said, “This milestone keeps the business at the forefront of developing technology that provides sustainable solutions for our customers. We are delighted to have secured this world-first contract with our innovative ecoCO2 technology solution on the global journey towards decarbonisation.”